Dashka's Blog

Today’s announcement that The 57 Bus is a Finalist for an LA Times Book Award (along with four of my favorite books of the year) had me leaping about like an over-caffeinated gazelle. But it’s been a pretty incredible month. Earlier this month, the book was awarded the American Library Association’s Stonewall Book Award andRead more

Yesterday, at the launch party for my new picture book, The Antlered Ship, I taught folks how to make their very own bathtub-friendly antlered ship. It’s the perfect bookstore, library or classroom craft — no glue, no tools, no paint, no mess. All the materials are easy to find, around-the-house things — perfect for upcyclers.Read more

My new picture book, Escargot, will be released on April 11 and it is already getting a wonderful response. That’s no surprise to Escargot, of course. He already knew he was the world’s most beautiful French snail! His opinion was confirmed today when Escargot received his first starred review, from the March issue of the BulletinRead more

One morning, I woke with an image hovering just behind my eyes, like the after-image of a bright light. A ship with antlers at its prow, sailing into a harbor. I had no memory of the dream it had come from, if it had indeed come from a dream. All I had were questions: WhyRead more

Just before Escargot was released, a thought occurred to me. Having written a book about a very beautiful French snail, it seemed to me that I should stay up-to-date on snail news. I’m not sure, at this point, what I expected to learn — perhaps I just thought I’d find out if people were talking aboutRead more

About Me

Journalist, novelist, and children’s book author Dashka Slater has been telling stories since she could talk. Her novel for adults, The Wishing Box, was named one of the best books of the year by the Los Angeles Times, while her journalism honors include a gold Azbee, two Maggies, and a Media Alliance Meritorious Achievement Award, as well as awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Association of Alternative Newspapers, the California Newspaper Publishers Association, the California State Bar, and the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.

Step 1: Decide what kind of visit you want.

Read through the materials on my website. Contact me to discuss the kind of visit you want. I typically do 2-3 assemblies in a day, usually arranged by grade (K-1, 2-3,4-5 or K-3, 3-5, 6-8) and I am happy to tailor the presentations to the needs of your school. You can also arrange to have a writing workshop for a small group of children in addition to the assemblies. Or, if funds are limited, consider a Virtual Visit. I am also happy to do an evening event that includes parents.Decide if you are going to offer books for sale – this is a good way to pay for the visit or raise money for your school. Seek funding approval.

Step 2: Pin down the particulars.

I will send you a contract spelling out what we’ve discussed, including my fee and any travel and accommodations costs. You can download Book Order forms from my website. I will provide you with any additional promotional materials you need to spread the word.

Step 3: Get ready.

12 weeks before my visit:

Order books.

8 weeks before my visit:

Tell teachers that I’m coming and encourage them to get their students ready. Author visits go best when the students know the books.

Tell teachers they can download a Teacher’s Guide to my books at no charge.

6 weeks before my visit:

Fill out the prices you will charge for books on the Book Order form and specify who to make the check to.

Send book order forms home to parents.

4 weeks before my visit:

Make sure you have books on hand at school for teachers and librarians to share with students.

2 weeks before my visit:

Remind teachers that I’m coming and inform me if they have any special requests or concerns.

Send me the day’s schedule, including contact numbers in case of travel meltdowns.

1 week before my visit:

Check that you have all the equipment that we discussed. Usually I will need a microphone, a projector and a screen for assemblies and a flip chart and easel for writing workshops.

Day of my visit:

Set out the equipment.

Set up a table for book signings in the library or another convenient location.

Make sure there’s water on hand and lunch if I’m going to be there all day.

I will also need an out-of-the-way place to stow personal belongings.

Make sure to have payment ready for me at the end of the day.

Step 4: Stay in touch!

Please take pictures of my visit if you can – I love to post them on my website. And please fill out the evaluation form I will give you when I arrive. I count on that feedback to make my visits the best they can be. If you want your kids to write to me afterwards, just ask me for an address. I love getting their letters and I always answer them.